Live like a Parisian in Rueil-Malmaison, a leafy neighbourhood filled with cafes, patisseries and wine bars. Stroll through beautiful parks and relax on the grassy banks of the Seine. Sumptuous chateaus recall the neighbourhood’s past as the former stomping ground of Joséphine de Beauharnais, the first wife of Napoleon.
Things to do in Rueil-Malmaison
Visit Château de Malmaison, the palatial home of Joséphine de Beauharnais. As Empress of France, Joséphine had a suitably lavish taste. Walk through rooms filled with antiques, tapestries and fine musical instruments. Exotic animals like zebras and kangaroos once roamed the grounds. Today you can admire more than 250 varieties of roses.
Stock up on baguettes, cheese and wine and enjoy a picnic in Bois-Préau Park. The English-style park boasts sprawling green lawns framed by centuries-old trees. Toss chunks of bread to ducks in the pond and admire a magnificent statue of Joséphine de Beauharnais, who helped design the gardens.
Pay your respects to Joséphine de Beauharnais at Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul. The elegant Renaissance church is the final resting place of Joséphine and her daughter. Both are buried beneath a Carrara marble tomb carved by famous French sculptor, Pierre Cartellier.
Parisian café culture is well and truly alive in Rueil-Malmaison. On every corner, you’ll see outdoor tables laden with cappuccinos, croissants and croque monsieur sandwiches. Enjoy traditional French fare at lively bistros and brasseries. There are plenty of atmospheric bars where you can order French wine by the glass or bottle.
Getting around Rueil-Malmaison
Rueil-Malmaison is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while bicycles are a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the neighbourhood. Trains run between Rueil-Malmaison Station on Line A of the RER metro and Central Paris in 10 minutes. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 40-minute drive away.